Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Dubai is pleased to share that Dr. Sharath Kumar Rao K has been appointed as the 8th Vice Chancellor of MAHE, Manipal, effective 1 May 2026.
Dr. Rao brings over three decades of distinguished experience as an academic leader, clinician, and administrator at MAHE. An alumnus of Kasturba Medical College, he has been associated with MAHE since 1988 and has held several key leadership positions, including Dean of KMC Manipal and Pro Vice Chancellor - Health Sciences.
During his tenure, Dr. Rao has played an important role in strengthening academic excellence, clinical education, research output, faculty development, global partnerships, and institutional growth across MAHE’s health science institutions.
An internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon and academician, Dr. Rao has trained in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Australia, and has more than 100 research publications to his credit. In 2025, he was conferred the honorary fellowship of the Royal College of Physicians - FRCP, London, in recognition of his contributions to medical leadership and healthcare management.
The university congratulates him on his appointment and looks forward to his continued guidance and support.
